Unapologetic from SBU

Ep. 61 - Redford Division of Christian Ministry Insights w/Dr. Matt Kimbrough

Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as we explore the impactful work of Dr. Matt Kimbrough, division chair and faculty member in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry. Discover his journey from student to professor, the innovative programs at Redford, and how they are preparing students for ministry and church leadership in a changing world. As an SBU alum, Dr. Kimbrough shares his passion for the university and the work it does in shaping lives of the next generation. We also preview summer activities and the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests08:01 Summer Plans and Academic Responsibilities14:03 Matt Kimbrough's Journey to SBU19:01 Teaching Philosophy and Student Engagement24:07 Redford School's Program Developments27:51 The Legacy of Redford and Its Impact32:03 Addressing the Need for Pastoral Leadership33:55 Future Initiatives and Conferences37:02 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth
 

Ep. 60 - Spring 2026 Memories and Previewing Study on Romans

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard look back on some of the highlights from the Spring 2026 semester at SBU, including chapel speakers, student life events and the spring Board of Trustees meeting. They then spend some time discussing Paul's letter to the Romans, as Jonathon plans to introduce a yearlong study of the book during the 2026-2027 school year. The study would then culminate in a study abroad trip to Rome in Summer 2027. Brandt and Jonathon share personal insights into Romans and how it has helped shape their life and theology.
Chapters
03:26 Campus Events and Community Engagement06:45 Innovations in Health Sciences Education09:31 Future Plans for Biblical Studies and Worldview12:47 Preparing for the Next Academic Year13:40 Exploring Romans: A Journey to Italy19:26 The Significance of Romans in Christian Theology24:38 Understanding Justification and the Gospel31:12 The Transformative Power of Romans35:01 Connecting Paul with the Early Church37:49 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Events
Keywords
Romans, Bible study, theology, Christian faith, seminary, biblical studies, church history, justification, salvation, Christian living
 

Ep. 59 - Student Interview with FCA President Ben Stelken

 
Join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard as they explore senior Ben Stelken's journey from a non-Christian background to a committed follower of Christ, his leadership on campus, and his plans for the future in physical therapy. This episode offers insights into faith development, student leadership, and balancing athletics with academics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and icebreaker07:07 Ben's Journey to SBU and Faith Exploration17:45 Leadership Roles and Community Engagement22:48 Academic Pursuits and Future Plans
Keywords
faith journey, student leadership, physical therapy, campus life, Christian faith, college students, FCA, SBU, student athlete, spiritual growth
 
 

Ep. 58 - Shane Pruitt on Cultural Apologetics and Reaching the Next Generation

Next Gen leader Shane Pruitt of the North American Mission Board joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard in an engaging conversation about how to address current cultural challenges and the lies that Christians are prone to believe in today's age. They recap Shane's visit to SBU and his conversations with students, while also discussing current books that they are reading. You won't want to miss this episode with one of the top Christian voices speaking to young people (and the church at large) about how to reach our culture for Christ and spread the truth of God's word.
Chapters
00:00 Engaging the Next Generation: Challenges and Strategies02:38 Understanding Happiness vs. Joy in Christian Life05:25 The Role of the Church in Cultural Conversations08:30 The Importance of Biblical Truth in Modern Issues11:32 The Power of Personal Testimonies and Community Engagement14:31 Future Directions
Resources
The Nine Lies Christians Believe - https://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/567890/nine-lies-christians-believe
Rosaria Butterfield's Work on Cultural Apologetics - https://rosariabutterfield.com/
Not My Jesus Bible Study by Lifeway - https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/not-my-jesus-bible-study-P005123456
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truman - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234
 

Ep. 57 - Campus Event Updates and Discussion on Military Service

Jonathon Woodyard returns to the podcast after a stint of military commitments as an Army chaplain, joining Brandt Merritt to talk about recent and upcoming campus events. They spend some time recapping Jonathon's time in military service and some perspectives on the beginning of the U.S. conflict with Iran. They also discuss the SEC basketball championship game between Mizzou and Kentucky. 
Chapters
00:00 Chaplain School and Military Training07:07 Military Engagement in South Carolina18:13 Tensions and Rumors of War with Iran22:54 Military Security Measures During Tensions28:50 Campus Events and Spring Break Missions29:17 Upcoming Campus Events and Trips

Ep. 56 - The State of Healthcare in SW Missouri Part II: Citizens Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Calhoun

In the second of two episodes focused on healthcare in Southwest Missouri, Mike Calhoun of Citizens Memorial Hospital joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the ways CMH is working to address the needs of the region. An alum of SBU, Calhoun gives an in-depth look at the hospital's expansion, workforce development strategies, and the impacts on community well-being. He also shares his personal story of coming to faith and being called into ministry. This is a wide-ranging interview with one of SBU's longstanding partners that you won't want to miss.
Chapters
01:29 Healthcare System Overview04:20 Growth and Changes in CMH07:11 Community Impact and Personal Touch10:31 Workforce Development Challenges13:17 Future of Healthcare in the Region21:23 The Growing Need for Healthcare Workers22:17 Engaging Youth in Healthcare Careers23:38 Challenges in Healthcare Workforce Recruitment25:58 Turnover Rates in Healthcare Positions26:57 The Impact of Education on Healthcare Careers28:54 Building Local Pathways for Healthcare Education30:49 The Importance of Community Integration32:42 The New CMH Hospital Expansion34:36 Enhancements in Emergency and Inpatient Care37:01 Modernizing Facilities for Better Patient Experience38:57 Future Growth and Technological Advancements41:17 Attracting Talent Through Facility Improvements43:35 Collaborative Efforts for Community Health
 

Ep. 55 - SBUnited Giving Day Preview/Goals and Enrollment Updates

Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt to preview SBU's upcoming giving day, SBUnited 2026 on Thursday, March 12. They highlight significant momentum in giving trends to SBU's Annual Scholarship Fund and overall giving, including increased dollars and increased donors. They also give an update on capital campaign planning connected to SBU's campus master plan, and share positive enrollment trends.
For those interested in learning more about SBUnited Giving Day, visit advance.sbuniv.edu/sbunited.
Chapters
00:10 Guest Introduction: Leon Worth00:59 Supporting SBU Through Giving and Enrollment05:16 Details of Giving Day and Goals07:29 Campus Engagement and Student Involvement09:22 Giving Trends and Momentum11:43 Potential for Record Giving Year13:57 Campus Development and Future Projects17:46 Restricted vs Unrestricted Giving Explained19:41 Enrollment Growth and Student Success24:30 Local Community and Recruitment Success28:50 Student Impact Stories and Mission29:46 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Ep. 54 - The State of Healthcare in SW Missouri Part I, with Mercy Springfield

Jessica Atchison and Aaron Tribby of Mercy Springfield join Brandt Merritt on SBU's Springfield Campus to talk about the state of healthcare in Southwest Missouri. Mercy and SBU have a long partnership of working together to train healthcare professionals in the region, dating back to the 1980s. Jessica and Aaron share more about the ways they are trying to develop a sustainable workforce to meet the growing needs of patients and providers in the region. They also talk about how their freedom to integrate their faith into their care of patients provides added meaning to their work.
Part 2 of this miniseries on healthcare in the region will be next week, focused on Citizens Memorial Hospital.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healthcare in Southwest Missouri03:51 State of Healthcare: Access and Resources10:04 Engaging Future Healthcare Professionals15:46 The Role of Faith in Healthcare Culture21:53 Technology and Innovation in Healthcare

Ep. 53 - Andy Naselli Discusses Predestination, Anxiety, and Hopes for the Next Generation

Andy Naselli joins host Brandt Merritt to discuss predestination, anxiety, and the importance of biblical worldview in understanding God's sovereignty and human response. He emphasizes the significance of theological clarity for Christian living and ministry, especially for college students navigating complex topics. Naselli is a professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and Lead Pastor of Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Andy Naselli04:34 Calvinism, Arminianism, and Predestination10:26 The Uniqueness of Christian Responses to Anxiety16:41 The Impact of Technology on Learning

Ep. 52 - Training and Discipling the Next Generation with Alumnus and Board Member Tyler Wilkins

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, Brandt Merritt hosts Tyler Wilkins, a pastor from Kansas City and an SBU alumnus. They discuss Tyler's journey from being a student at SBU to his current role as a senior pastor at Fellowship KC. The conversation covers Tyler's experiences at SBU, his path to pastoral ministry, the importance of discipleship and apologetics in today's culture, and his role on the Board of Trustees at SBU. Tyler emphasizes the need for churches to raise up and send out leaders, and the importance of deep, meaningful engagement with the faith among younger generations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker05:35 Journey to Southwest Baptist University11:54 Path to Pastoral Ministry15:59 Building a Fellowship Program16:31 Equipping Future Pastors through Fellowship KC20:35 The Role of the Church in Discipleship24:43 Adapting Discipleship for a New Generation29:37 The Importance of Community in Faith31:28 Serving on the Board of Trustees38:08 Commitment to SBU's Future